Word

Salagrama

Sanskrit

शालग्राम

IAST

śālagrāma

In General

Salagrama is a stone, a fossilized shell of an extinct species which is worshiped like an idol. It is found in in the bank of river Gandaki in Nepal. Salagrama is a shining, black, egg like stones that may have a hole and have round white lines or designs on them. The designs are similar to Vishnu Chakra, so the devotees of Vishnu consider these stones sacred, believing that Vishnu resides in them.

Purana

There are several stories in purana regarding the origin and power of Salagrama.

The river goddess Gandaki performed severe austerities to please Vishnu and get Him as a child. Vishnu granted the boon and became the Salagrama stones in her womb (in the waters of the river).

In Padma Purana, it is said that in whichever homes one find a Shalagrama, that home is better than a places of pilgrimage. Those who pray to it are specially blessed and will be freed from all sins.